Connecting SIPODI Alumni to Strengthen Security Cooperation
From 13 to 16 April 2026, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s Regional Programme “Security Policy Dialogue in West Africa” (SIPODI) held its first strategic dialogue meeting for alumni in Yamoussoukro. Focusing on the contribution of cooperation to addressing emerging security threats, participants shared experiences and laid the groundwork for a network designed to sustain exchanges beyond their training.
The meeting brought together senior officers and course participants from the Cours d’études supérieures de défense (CESD) and the staff course at the Académie des forces armées (AFA). It built on SIPODI’s support for the education and training of defence and security professionals since 2020.
This support includes scholarships for CESD officers pursuing the Master’s programme “Gouvernance Défense et Sécurité”, alongside assistance for training at the AFA, particularly its staff course.
Developing Shared Perspectives on Security Challenges
Over four days, participants discussed evolving asymmetric threats in West Africa, regional counterterrorism cooperation and emerging forms of transnational crime. Other topics included the role of intelligence, operational coordination and the links between criminal economies and instability.
Contributions from Professor Zran Anicet and Dr Tawa Prince Netton informed discussions on possible responses and the need to combine different forms of cooperation.
A representative of the Mayor of Yamoussoukro attended the opening ceremony, which highlighted the importance of education and dialogue between partner institutions.
Sustaining Exchanges Beyond Training
SIPODI-supported programmes bring together scholarship recipients and course participants from several African and European countries. This international dimension offers opportunities to exchange experiences and develop a deeper understanding of shared challenges.
The Yamoussoukro meeting laid the groundwork for establishing the SIPODI Alumni Network. The network is intended to facilitate contact among former beneficiaries, sustain professional dialogue on security issues and strengthen relationships between partner institutions.
Through this initiative, SIPODI aims to extend the value of its support beyond individual educational pathways. Its goal is to foster a professional community built on dialogue, trust and cooperation that contributes to democratic security sector governance.
